I have lived away from Portsmouth since graduating high school 30 years ago. When I left home, Portsmouth and the surrounding area had few jobs to offer. When I graduated from Morehead State University, the first job offer I had required me to move three hours west of South Shore, Ky.

Here, I have raised my family, had a good career and life. When I climb onto the Cumberland escarpment on the AA Highway in eastern Lewis County, my heart soars every single time.

Seeing the low-lying hills makes my heart ache for the people and towns I left behind.

Now, 30 years later, I had a good opportunity to visit my classmates at a reunion at Greenbo Lake State Park on Aug. 25. Let me tell you why I was excited: 30 years have passed, many things have happened in each of our lives. My heart is still grounded there like many displaced Appalachians.

I wanted to see you and hear the stories you have to tell, I wanted to know where you have been, how many kids you have, how you have survived from the hardscrabble rural life we endured as youngsters. If you didn't get to come, know that I thought of you and mostly giggled.

Carla Clay

Walton, Ky.